![Service with foresight – reliable data instead of "trial and error"](typo3temp/GB/95684ecffe.jpg "Service with foresight – reliable data instead of "trial and error"")
Service with foresight – reliable data instead of "trial and error"
Ecopaint CFD Oven simulates fluid dynamics
and heating-up.
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has become an established and significant automotive paint shop tool. It is already at work in the digital factory on process optimization. Now Dürr Service is applying the competence, which has been acquired in this sector over a number of years, to bring about improvements to processes and quality standards at an early stage of revamp and modification projects.
CFD simulations deliver information on all variables influencing flow patterns, such as pressure, velocity, turbulence and temperature, in all process stages from pretreatment to paint spray booths, washers and ovens. As it is very difficult to measure real values in complex areas, simulation is a tool that brings invaluable advantages.
To eliminate the necessity of relying on “trial and error“ principles, Dürr offers modification project customers the opportunity to validate processes through simulations, with which the functional outcome of the modification measures foreseen can be checked and simultaneously optimized. A simulation can also prove helpful in coming to a decision on the best option, when a number of variations are possible – in the arrangement of nozzles in ovens and dip tanks, for example. Weak points can be identified and eliminated before manufacturing work for the modifications begins. Quality improvements and energy savings, together with faster commissioning and plant start-up, also lead to minimization of both the costs and risks involved.
The fundamental benefits of simulation – shorter planning phases, faster plant start-up times and secure processes – come into play for a second time when production plant and equipment is redesigned. With Ecopaint CFD Simulation, Dürr Service can also offer customers the opportunity to improve plant and equipment that is already in operation, true to its motto of “Service – when and where you need it”.
The Dürr experts face real challenges - especially in connection with ovens. For certain heat-up curve constellations meshing and resolution of the vehicle geometry must be very accurate. Here it is necessary to simulate not only air flow but also heat conduction and convection – and to take vehicle body movements into account as well. Typically the A-pillar and the longitudinal chassis beam are critical areas for optimal hardening. As the A-pillar is covered by the door it cannot be reached directly either through circulated air or by radiation. The longitudinal chassis beam is made up of several layers of thick sheet metal and heats up very slowly as a result. During CFD simulations for these critical areas models are created for all metal sheets and joints taking the various materials into consideration. In contrast, body areas not classed as critical are meshed on a coarser grid and simplified geometrically.
With Ecopaint CFD Simulation, Dürr is able, within twelve weeks of receipt of all relevant data, to offer a solution that will ensure your re-equipped oven is highly efficient. Daimler at Sindelfingen and Rastatt (both Germany), Honda at Swindon (UK) and Opel at Rüsselsheim (Germany) already appreciate the benefits of CFD optimized ovens.
Your contact:
Olaf Remmers - olaf.remmers(at)durr.com
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